Exposure to isolated, extreme conditions may alter physiology, cognition: Study

A study analysing brain scans of crew members who spent a year at an Antarctic research station has revealed changes due to exposure to isolated and extreme environments with potential impacts on physiology and cognitionThe findings published in the journal npj Microgravity have implications as extended space missions are planned from around the world researchers saidThe team from the US Europe Australia and New Zealand found an overall reduction in white matter and a reduced grey matter in brain regions known to help with memory language and spatial awarenessAstronauts experience considerable stress in space and understanding its effects on the brain can aid in assessing risks and building resilience the researchers explained They pointed out that analogue environments mdash locations on Earth with features similar to those found on the Moon or Mars mdash such as the Antarctic Concordia Station simulate isolated confined and extreme ICE conditionsThe findings are also relevant for individuals in the general population where a perception of isolation or loneliness has been on the increase and many have experienced chronic stress over the past years the team saidThe researchers including those from the University of Pennsylvania and the New Zealand Brain Research Institute analysed MRI scans of 25 crew members who spent 12 months at Concordia a FrenchItalian research facility The scans taken before the mission immediately after and five months postmission were compared with those of another 25 individuals not subjected to isolated extreme conditionsThe team found an overall reduction in white matter along with decreased grey matter in the brains temporal and parietal lobes hippocampus and thalamusThese regions are critical for processing sensory information memory language and spatial awarenessWhile it is known that white and grey matter naturally decrease with age mdash leading to agerelated cognitive decline mdash other factors like diseases and lifestyle choices can also contribute to these reductionsThe study revealed that improved sleep and physical activity such as gymming during periods of isolation and confinement were linked to a lesser loss of grey matter suggesting that lifestyle choices may have protective effects Moreover the levels of white and grey matter were observed to return to preexposure levels five months after the participants returned from AntarcticaLife in space and on Earth entails exposure to and requires resilience to stress Elucidating the effects of prolonged stress in extreme conditions highlights significant but transient brain changes relevant for optimal physiological and cognitive functioning the authors wroteThe current data and future studies in isolated confined and extreme environments including space travel reemphasise the need to identify specific countermeasures that may mitigate changes in brain anatomy when individuals are isolated the team wroteThe relevance of the current findings has broadened with the increase in isolation in the general population they further notedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever